How Do I Get a U.S. Passport?

Applying for a United States passport is a relatively straightforward process if you have the correct personal documents. Basic instructions are available for a first-time application, for those who had a passport issued when they were under 16 or if the original passport was lost, stolen or damaged beyond use.

In addition, passports must be reissued if the one you hold now was issued more than 15 years ago. If you have a problem with legal documentation of a name change it will also be necessary to obtain a new U.S. passport.

Application Process

You may apply for your passport in person using from DS-11. The in-person process must start at the correct agency or what is commonly known as an acceptance facility. These include the county clerk’s office in the county seat and most post office facilities.

You may apply for your passport through a Passport Agency only if you need the passport in less than two weeks or need it within four weeks so you can get a foreign visa. If you must do this you should apply in person at the nearest facility or by mail using DS-82. Find the closest agency at Travel State. Otherwise you should apply through the county office or post office as mentioned above.

Anytime you apply for a U.S. passport you must use the correct form and must not sign it until instructed to do so. You will need to have proof of your Social Security number at this time. You will need proof of United States citizenship in original form. The documents will be returned to you when the passport is issued.

This proof may include a previous passport, certified birth certificate, report of birth or certification of birth abroad – from the consul, naturalization certificate. Primary identification also includes driver’s license or a valid government identification card. There are specific situations in which you can use photocopies of identification documents but you should make sure you understand when these are acceptable.

Photos and Money

You will need a current passport photo, which you can have taken by a professional photographer. You may also be able to have your passport photo taken at a post office facility. Check with the locations in your area to see if this service is offered. Passport photos must be in color and 2 inches x 2 inches. Two photos of the same size must be submitted. If you have photos taken at a post office facility you will need to pay an additional $15 fee.

Fees for passports vary depending on age and whether you are getting a passport book or a passport card. The cost ranges from $40 for a passport card for someone under 16 to $165 for passport book and card.

Acceptable payment methods include: cash, personal checks, business checks, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, U.S. Treasury checks, postal and non-postal money orders. Debit cards and credit cards are not accepted when applying directly through the United States Department of State.